Dootilh Hisilaqus (June) 2019
”BUILDING A POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS AND PROUD COMMUNITY, HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.”
Haisla Days are the BEST Days /page 16
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Welcome to our new Councillors Of the nine candidates who ran in the June 3 Haisla Nation election, Councillor Kevin Stewart took the most votes, 210, of all the winning candidates . Raymond (Sonny) Green had the second most votes at 160, followed by Arthur Renwick with 150, Joseph Allan Starr with 139 and Dayna Grant with 120. A total of 267 were cast in the election with no spoiled ballots. The five successful candidates were sworn in as Councillors at the Haisla Administration Building on Thursday, June 6. From left to right, in the photo above, are: Kevin Stewart, Arthur Renwick, Joseph Starr, Raymond Green and Dayna Grant. They will join Chief Councillor Crystal Smith, and Councillors Taylor Cross, Brenda Duncan, Harvey Grant and Margaret Grant, in serving the Nation, and moving it forward and onward. Of the nine candidates who ran, in order from most votes to least, Willard Grant, Harold J (Tubby) Stewart, Blair Grant, and Trevor Martin, did not make it onto council. During the election, an administrative error did occur. Five election packages were mailed without the electoral officer’s signature on them, making them invalid. However, replacement packages were mailed in time for the receiving members to submit their votes. This is the fourth election the Haisla Nation has held under the Custom Election Code. Some members have expressed the desire for the Election Code to be more accessible to all members, especially those off-reserve . The HNC Executive Committee plans to review the Election Code with this in mind and make recommendations to council. A byelection will also be announced soon to fill a vacant Councillor position on the Haisla Nation council. This position became vacant when Lucille Harms stepped down from council in May of this year, when she accepted the position of HNC Home Care Coordinator. 2
What’s happening with the CCP? When it comes to health, members want the mental and physical health of our people to be a priority. They also want elders to have sufficient support in their homes.
We are in the final stage of the Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP). A draft plan was presented to members at several meetings at the start of June.
The Haisla Nation Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) builds on and replaces our 2009 Community Development Plan. Our CCP is for all Haisla members, no matter where they live. The CCP has three parts: vision, goals and strategies.
Meetings were held in Vancouver and Terrace. A number of meetings also took place in the Kitamaat Village with the whole community, staff, elders and youth. At the meetings, John Ingram and Kathleen Heggie, of EcoPlan International, Inc, the company helping facilitate the HNC CCP, presented the overall draft to members. “The plan isn’t to recreate but build on what’s already been done,” said Ingram. Members had the opportunity to give feedback on the draft CCP and ask questions. Councillors and/or HNC staff were also there to answer questions.
Two major topics of interest were consistent at the meetings: housing and health. Members voiced concerns around access to affordable housing and different types of housing, for example, for single people, small families and large families. They also want basic maintenance and upkeep to occur regularly on on-reserve housing. Housing concerns are increasing as the cost to buy and rent are going up in response to increased industrial activity in the area.
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The CCP meeting facilitators, Ingram and Heggie, will now take feedback received from members at the June meetings and apply it to the final draft of the CCP, then present this to council. They will also use suggestions from members to finalize the community vision and name the plan. Suggestions for a name (translated into the Haislakala language) include : `To Build a House`, We are of One Mind` and `To Help One Another`.
Visit the Haisla website CCP page for the latest information including the June meeting presentations and a downloadable overview of the CCP.
Contact Trish Grant Executive Assistant - Chief Executive Officer Email: trishgrant@haisla.ca Tel: (250) 639-9361 Ext. 104
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PHOTOS FROM SOME OF JUNE’S CCP MEETINGS
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HNC buys Kitimat apartment complex In response to ongoing concerns of affordable and available housing, on and off reserve, the Haisla Nation Council (HNC) is excited to announce that we have purchased the Kuldo Apartment complex in Kitimat. The former owners approached HNC with this opportunity and the council had to make a decision quickly. “It’s very new for us to have this opportunity,” said HNC CEO Jason Majore. “Not many Nations have this opportunity.” The Kuldo complex has eight building with 10 units in each, for a total of 80 units. Sixty of the 80 units are already rented. The remaining 20 , housed in two buildings, are undergoing renovations and should be move-in ready by the end of the year. Council has yet to decide who will be elegible to rent the renovated units and the pricing structure. Historically, government funding was only available for housing on reserve. HNC used Haisla money to purchase these apartments. “We recognize that housing is a major need for our members. We’re using feedback we’ve received as a baseline for meeting those needs - of singles to families,” said Chief Councillor Crystal Smith. “This was an opportunity for us to look out for the social wellbeing of our people.“ According to a housing study conducted in 2014, approximately 59 new housing units of varying types were needed to meet the needs of Haisla members. Purchasing the Kuldo apartments is one initiative HNC has undertaken to help address these needs. Other housing initiatives in Kitamaat Village include the construction of a 23-unit housing complex. Land has been cleared for this but construction has not yet started. Also, three new onreserve duplexes, with a total of six units, are almost complete. The Community Development department is also looking into the possibility of constructing tiny homes. “It’s a massive undertaking to address all the housing needs of our members,” said Majore. “We need to develop the housing programs as well as make sure we have the funds in place for them.” 6
Celebrate Guatlap Days this weekend
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Lets celebrate our community achievements Congrats to this year’s Haisla Community School Graduates!
Haisla students in the field Starting in April and running until October 2019, Royal Roads University is offering a Certificate in Cultural & Natural Resources Assessment in our community. This program was uniquely designed to give students an education in natural resources as well as learning about the Haisla culture.
HNC provides a school supply allowance for each registered Haisla member entering Kindergarten through Grade 12, attending school off reserve. Download the application form from the Haisla website under Member Services
Late applications will not be accepted. Forms may be returned to the HNC Education Office, emailed to Marlayna Amos at kstevens@haisla.ca, or faxed to 250-632-6973.
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Congrats to KVI`s Aboriginal Early Childhood Educators Graduates!
Cultural Awareness Training Offered HNC’s Culture & Language team have developed a Haisla Cultural Awareness Training program. Recently, 53 Rio Tinto employees, including the company’s communications and management team, participated in three separate sessions. Haisla facilitators and staff who developed and led the training include Teresa Windsor, Coral-Lee Gaucher, Kimberley McKenzie, Dustin Gaucher, Megan Metz, and Miriam Windsor. Haisla Cultural Awareness Training will be available to others this Fall. 12
Iron Chef competition was hot Six participants competed in the Iron Chef competition on May 29. The white team won by just one point with their Italian theme against the black team’s Chinese food. Both teams cooked all morning to serve an appetizer, main course and dessert - all of which included the special ingredient ginger - to three delighted judges. The Iron Chef competition is part of HNC`s Active Measures, a 16-week life-skills program that can lead to steady and rewarding employment. The next Active Measures intake is September and six spots are available. For more information, contact program coordinator Liz Robinson at lrobinson@haisla.ca or 250.639.9361 Ext. 223. Or contact Active Measures Assistant, Cecil Paul Jr. at cpaul@haisla.ca, or Ext. 224
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COMMUNITY NOTICES & DEPARTMENT UPDATES JGC Fluor (JFJV) is advancing the engineering and construction of the LNG Canada Project. This includes conducting test piling activities at the project site this spring/summer. Noise is anticipated in areas surrounding the project. Piles (steel poles) will be used throughout the construction of the project and serve as deep foundations to ensure the stability of temporary and permanent infrastructure. Test piles will confirm JFJV’s engineering assumptions for the performance of the piles in geotechnical conditions at site and inform how future piles will be installed. Work will consist of 10 to 12 test piles being installed into the ground by machine. Test piling began the week of May 27 and will be complete within 8 to 10 weeks. Work will occur between 7am and 6pm — seven days per week. Once test piling is complete, the next phase of the piling program for the project will begin in January 2020 and continue through to mid—2021. Please send any inquires to: info@jfjvkitimat.com Or call the JFJV community feedback line: 1-888-499-JFJV (5358) 14
The Haisla Harbour Authority is working with the RCMP, security contractors and community members to help eliminate thefts of private and HNC property within the village harbour. For this reason, security cameras at the harbour are being up-graded to expand facial recognition and surveillance coverage within the harbour. If you witness or are a victim of theft, contact Haisla Fisheries immediately: (250) 639-9361 Ext. 207 or 213
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Friday, June 28 and Monday, July 1
A community fireguard is an area surrounding the community where trees are removed, thereby removing fuel source for a wildfire. Chief and Council have made the community fireguard a high priority given last years’ wildfire season intensity and the forecast for this year to be another active wildfire season. To date, the Environment department has had a consultant walk the areas in the map for assessment purposes and develop site specific prescriptions. The department also has a crew of 15 people who will be working in these areas, removing trees, starting in July. Specific notices will be sent out to the community ahead of work commencing so residents will know when to expect noise and activity in their areas. For anyone who has questions, please contact HNC Environment Manager Candice Wilson at 250-639-9361 Ext 121 or via email cawilson@haisla.ca 15
HAISLA DAYS 2019 Haisla Days, which took place May 17 to May 19, was a chance for friends, family and the whole Haisla community to get together and have fun! This year’s theme was ‘We’re proud to be Haisla’. Activities included the Mama-O & Baba-O Luncheon on Friday; the Bike Parade, Feast Dinner and Babies Welcome on Saturday, and field events on Sunday.
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Graylon Hall given 2019 Youth Haisla Hero award This year’s Youth Haisla Hero, honoured during Haisla Days, is Graylon Hall. Here’s a few reason why. Graylon can always be seen with a smile on his face. He is known by many as a respectful, friendly and soft spoken individual who gives of his time regularly, without any expection of repayment or acknowledgement. Graylon works consistently on being a positive influence amongst his peers and within our community. He leads by example. This is evident with his volunteering. Graylon stands up for what he believes in, always in a respectful manner, and stands true to who he is as an individual. Even though Graylon has faced many obstacles in his young life, he has shown perseverance and not let any obstacles impede his desire to improve and grow.
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HNC exploring on-reserve recycling options In February 2019, HNC applied to Recycle BC through their First Nations Recycling Initiative, to help us get our recycling pilot program off the ground. In April 2019, Kim Vroon, HNC Recycling & Bear Aware Coordinator, attended the Recycle BC conference. There, she arranged a private meeting with representatives from the First Nations Recycling Initiative to discuss residential recycling in our community. Every year, Recycle BC introduces a small handful of new communities to their program. As of right now, our community is on a waitlist to be reviewed and considered to be added to the program in the coming years. In the meantime, the HNC Recycling Program is being developed to cater to the specific needs of our community. We are designing a recycling depot for Kitamaat Village for residents to be able to drop off their recycling.
We are also exploring the possibility of curbside pickup recycling, as well as the feasibility of a composting facility. Currently, Kitimat has two recycle depots, both located in the Service Centre. We`ve invcluded is a list of recyclable materials accepted at each location. If you have any questions regarding recycling or want a one-on-one info session, contact: Kim Vroon Recycling & Bear Aware Coordinator Kvroon@haisla.ca (250) 639-9361 (ext. 203) More info: www.recyclebc.ca
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Newspaper & Flyers Magazines & Catalogues Office Paper (ensure paperclips, tape, and rubber bands are removed) Cardboard Styrofoam (clean, white packing Styrofoam) Household Batteries & Cellphones Small Appliances & Power Tools Paint Electronics Light Bulbs & Fixtures Smoke/CO2 Alarms
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Paper Newspaper & Flyers Magazines & Catalogues Telephone Books Paper Gift Wrap and Greeting Cards Writing/home office paper and correspondence
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Corrugated Cardboard Cardboard Moulded Boxboard Packaging Paper Bags Multilayer Paper Bags
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Paper Cups Gable-top cartons Aseptic boxes or cartons Frozen dessert boxes Empty Aerosol Cans Spiral wound cans and metal lids Aluminum cans and lids Steel cans and lids Aluminum foil and foil take-out containers Plastic jugs with screw tops Plastic clamshells Plastic bottles and caps Plastic jars and lids Plastic trays and tops Plastic tubs and lids Plastic cold drink cups with lids Plastic garden pots and trays Plastic Pails Microwavable bowls and cups
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Non-deposit glass bottles and jars
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Foam food containers and trays Foam cushion packaging
What’s up with wildlife? HNC is aware wolf and bear sightings are of concern to Haisla members. Here’s some actions items Kim Vroon, HNC Bear Aware Coordinator, is working on with Gillian Sanders from Grizzly Bear Foundation to keep the community safe: 1.Complete a bear hazard assessment. (Last done in October) 2.Prepare a human-bear conflict management plan designed to address the bear hazards and land-use conflicts identified in the previous step. 3.Revise planning and decision-making documents to be consistent with the human-bear conflict management plan. 4.Implement effective education program directed at all sectors of community. 5.Develop and maintain effective bear proof municipal solid waste management system. 6.Implement and enforce "Bear Smart" bylaws prohibiting the provision of food to bears as a result of intent, neglect or irresponsible management of attractants. HNC is also working on a Dangerous Wildlife Law (DWL) in the interest of public safety. A list of shooters under review. A Land Advisory Committee will consider these issues, and at spme point, members will be invited to provide feedback and suggestions. In the meantime …
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Welcome to the Finance Team We would like to welcome Conrad Wilson, a member of Haisla Nation, to the Finance Team, as our new Finance Assistant. Conrad brings to us his expertise in the Accounting field. He attended CDI College in Burnaby for the Payroll & Administrator course and did a 5-week practicum with us. He moved to Rio Tinto for the RTA Internship that was offered for one year where he gained experience in the Human Resources department. Conrad’s experience, work ethics and skills has brought him back to Haisla Nation!
Participate in Haisla health & wellness study Adelia Paul, a student nurse at the Haisla Health Centre, is conducting a community health and wellness study. Her aim is to seek and understand the views of the Haisla people in regards to health and wellness within the Haisla community, with the aim of finding patterns and improvements.
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Go online to fill out her online survey.
Or if you are interested in doing a face-toface interview, contact Adelia at: adell-04@hotmail.com or 778-952-1275
Get ready to play soccer and paddle The Recreation Centre is hosting its 3rd annual soccer camp for ages 4 and up from July 11-14!
Soccer camp age groups & times: 10am-11 am Ages 4-6 11:15-12:30 Ages 7-9 1pm-2:15pm Ages 10-12 2:30-4pm Ages 13 plus
There is no registration fee and they`re free to participate in. The Recreation Centre Coordinator, Adrian Mercer, also hopes to offer community canoeing a couple times a week for an hour or two each time during the summer. Each 36-foot canoe weighs approximately 700 lbs., however, therefore at least 10 people are needed to paddle it. More info will be Soccer camps will take place at Mount Eliz- available soon. abeth Middle Secondary School. First soccer camp will start at 10 am. Snacks and For more info contact: refreshments will be provided. Adrian Mercer Email: amercer@haisla.ca Phone: 250-639-9361 ext 365 HNC recreation coordinator Adrian Mercer also has paper forms in his office at the Haisla Rec Centre. Some are also on the bulletin board at the HNC administration office.
July Recreation Centre Schedule
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HAISLA GRIEF & CRISIS SUPPORTS Nakwelagila Wellness Counselling
Community Social Worker & c’imo’ca Family Services contact Jennifer Lagace
Expressive Arts Therapist Miriam Windsor
First Nations Health Authority approved counsellors Ted Altar 250-635-3888
Louise Ormerod 250-615-7908
Deborah McCooey 250-615-6548
Katherine Smith 250-631-6194
Joelle McKiernan 250-635-6707
Outreach Worker (Vancouver-based) James Harry
The Haisla Health Centre also provides programming such as:
Northwest Counselling 250-638-8311 Northwest Inter-Nation Family & Community Services Society (NIFCS) 1-888-310-3311 KUU-US Crisis Line Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050 Child/Youth: 250-723-2040
- Home and Community health services - At-home supports - Patient Travel - Youth and elder programs
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Call the Haisla Health Centre 250-639-9361, extension 301
HAISLA NATION COUNCIL Haisla Health Centre 26